Schizophrenia-cannabis link raised

Thursday, 18 February 1999

Using cannabis can make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, or bring on symptoms earlier, a medical conference in Melbourne has been told.

The inaugural International Cannabis and Psychosis Conference organised by the Victorian Department of Human Services heard that people at risk of schizophrenia who use cannabis may bring on symptoms prematurely, suffer them more severely, and be more likely to suffer a relapse.

However, an organisation representing people who want cannabis legalised says there is no hard evidence demonstrating "any irreversible organic or mental damage" from the consumption of marijuana.

HEMP (Help End Marijuana Prohibition - South Australia Inc) admit that cannabis does cause alteration of mental functions and it would not be prudent to drive a car while intoxicated. However, it says there is no hard evidence that cannabis consumption induces psychoses.